Easter Day - (Happy Birthday Frances)

Happy Easter - and Birthday Frances!

 

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Fortieth day of Lent - A New Heaven and a New Earth

 

Heaven's Gates by Marco Brambilla

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21

We all know that when we see Creation, we see the immense handiwork of the Creator.  It cannot be copied.  Everything is so vivid, amazing, three dimensional, multi sensory.  This to me is heaven. But it was also Eden.  

We will return to the future.

PRAYER: Where you are, there is beauty.  We stand amazed. Your people will be part of this beauty.

Thirty Ninth Day of Lent - Titus - Good Friday

 

Corpus Hypercubus, by Salvador Dali 
Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit NIV Titus 3:5

Not the cross.  Such an ugly thing.  Anything but a cross.  In the west we have got used to it.  What if it was an electric chair? Or the guillotine.  A symbol of faith?  But we are forced to watch; pushed up against the bars.  We must see, we must put our fingers in the flesh wound. We must hear the groans, and the last gasp of oxygen.  We must feel the silence, the despair and the deep pain in the pit of our stomach.  There is no alternative.  We must be brave. 

PRAYER: Help us through this day. When we suffer with you.  When we suffer with all we love.  May we stay a wake and be there with you as you die.

Thirty Eighth Day of lent - Lamb of God

 

Ghent Altarpiece

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John 1

Enter our man.  We are up against tyranny and injustice.  Our man enters as a lamb.  A lamb threatens no one.  A lamb is innocence itself.  Where is the power in a lamb? 

Our man is far more than a lamb.  He is also 'the Lion of Judah'.  He is the ancient of days.  He is the first and the last.  He is the prince of peace.  

Jesus comes with authority and truth.  Nothing can stand against the truth.  The truth comes with righteousness and love.  This provides life to the truth.  

Jesus is cut down.  He is taken advantage of.  He is slaughtered. But the truth prevails, and rises up.  It is not defeated.  It lives forever.  

PRAYER:  We join you as lambs. Children of the living God. Without power, but surrounded by your power.  

Thirty Seventh Day of Lent - Letters

 

Proshitapatika Nayika,
The National Museum,
New Delhi. 

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4

I love the irony that in order for St Paul to be in a position where he could support the fledgling church appropriately, he had to be sent to Rome.  He moved from the relative back water, troubled and unsettled 'Judea' to the centre of the known world in the West.  Unfortunately the budget did not extend to putting him up in Caesar's palace, so he was housed for many years in his dungeon.  As with the whole project, it appears that putting up with suffering is an important element to creating the power. Softies and cowards need not apply.  

So in chains, Paul writes wonderful letter.  In this one he addresses a tiff.  Tiffs can get out of hand.  Please, let's not be silly.  It's not a surprise that these letters were treasured and kept.  But is it a miracle that they survived, because they are very old. 

PRAYER: Thank you to everyone who has suffered for the sake of the Lord.  May I be prepared to be one of them.

Thirty Sixth Day of Lent - The Gentiles

 

By Joy Labinjo Cebit i-d.co

21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

25 But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

Almost all religions in the world are culturally specific.  They relate to one ethnicity, in one location. This is how Judaism was, until it was turned on it's head by Jesus.  A few days ago I was chatting to my Zimbabwean colleague and friend about how she observed communion when she was growing up in a community without bread or wine.    I think of the many thousands of people who existed before the stories of Genesis and Eden came to be written.  We who are gentiles know that we are the little dogs that are able to eat under the table of the chosen.  All our needs are met, and we are included in the promise of greater things to come.

PRAYER:  Thank you for choosing me to be your friend.  Thank you for your righteousness given to me.

Thirty Fifth Day of Lent - The Jews

A 700 year old Torah called the 
Rothschild Pentateuch Getty Museum

Even in post Christian Europe, the Jews are very important.  Since the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, the Jewish people have been dispersed over many continents.  Even distant England has had a Jewish community for over a thousand years.  I think this is one of the reason politics with Israel is complicated.  Israel has been discussed in our synagogues and churches for a very long time.  And the social politics is complex, full of guilt, shame and confusion.  It is said that the record in the New testament is also difficult.   What do we make of this?

 25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written:

 “The deliverer will come from Zion;

    he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

27 And this is my covenant with them

    when I take away their sins.”

 28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now[h] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Romans 11

PRAYER:  We continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and the Creators willing come for the Jewish people. 

Sixth Sunday in the Feast of lent - Palm Sunday

 

St Catherine's Monastery Sinai

Even the stones will cry out.  The presence of Jesus creates strong reactions. Some are drawn close.  Others react and run away.  It's sad and strange when they do.  It's like children who are scared of their own parents.

In the present of Jesus I fall on my knees.  Here is my story. (Clink on the word story, for err, the story.)

Thirty Fourth Day of Lent - Amazing Acts

 

Snake invades great moments
by snakeartist.com 
Credit: Bored Panda

5 Paul shook the snake into the fire and wasn’t harmed. 6 The people were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after they had waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

 7 A man named Publius, who was the governor of the island, had property around the area. He welcomed us and treated us kindly, and for three days we were his guests. Acts 28

It must be that human beings are intrinsically vulnerable to superstition and fear.  We understand where an inherent fear of snakes and spiders might come from.  The people of Malta could tell there was something special about Paul and his friends.  I think there are good or Godly spirits, neutral spirits, and evil spirits.  Superstition and fear are in the latter category, and stifle life in all it's fullness.  Paul walked with his Creator.  He did not escape hardship and was ultimately stoned to death by a crowd.  But just as with Jesus, not until a great purpose had been achieved, to which we are all eternally grateful.   

PRAYER: My life is not filled with random chance because I walk with you.  

The Thirty Third Day of Lent - Life

We learnt that when Native Americans went to war, they
dressed not in protective armour, but in their best clothes,
so that they would be ready to meet the Great Spirit. 
They went to war ready to die. 

 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain". Philippians 1:21 (ESV)

“All real living is meeting,” so says Martin Buber in 'I and Thou'.  I agree.  Real life is found in our relationships.  Our relationship with our creator, with ourselves and with our sister/brother.  Other relationships are important too; with our world, with nature, with community, nation, universe. 

But true freedom to 'live' comes when we have no fear of death.  Then we are truly free to live.

Another wonderful quote from Buber....

“I do not accept any absolute formulas for living. No preconceived code can see ahead to everything that can happen in a man's life. As we live, we grow and our beliefs change. They must change. So I think we should live with this constant discovery. We should be open to this adventure in heightened awareness of living. We should stake our whole existence on our willingness to explore and experience.”

I think of my wonderful daughter who when challenged by her philosophy teacher at school to raise a hand if they were prepared for what they believe to be challenged by the subject, put up her hand.  "With Jesus I can go anywhere safely" she said.

PRAYER:  We walk out into the world holding tight to you, and can face anything.

The Thirty second Day of Lent - Purgatory

 

Doctor's waiting room by LS Lowry
The Lowry - Salford Quays

There is only one thing we know, and that is that Jesus has said that we will never be alone.  We will be tested, and we will stand the test, because we have a sure foundation.  

Within British culture, some sort of waiting has to be included in the afterlife.  But I think we will all wake on the one day, the day of new life, when there will be a "Take Two".  This time we will be filled with the Sprit of the Creator from the start, and will have no inclination to harm anyone, or to be selfish.  Our inclination will be to love, care, protect, honour and worship.

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire.  1 Corinthians 3:10-15  https://stpaulcenter.com/posts/5-bible-passages-which-point-to-purgatory

PRAYER: Thank you for the sure foundation on which I stand.  I am ready to be tested in the fire.  

The Thirty First Day of Lent - Death

 

Saint Jerome writing - Caravaggio
Credit: Wikipedia- Galleria Borghese

Death- the ultimate statistic.  This side of heaven, everything has a beginning, a middle and an end.  each are equally as important.  We talk about a good life.  We talk about a good death.  But was Jesus' death good?  It was not good.  So many deaths in this world are not good.  But is was necessary.  It is amazing that 2000 years later we have this clear account.  Read how the bodies of saints rose up out of the grave, and went into the towns about speaking about the greatness of the Lord!

45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”  50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.  51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.  54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27

PRAYER:  Give me new life to rise up and speak about your greatness!

Thirtieth Day of Lent - Betrayal

 

Kiss of Judas (1304–1306), fresco by 
Giotto, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy

47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22

Have you ever experienced betrayal?  I can't say that I have, but I can imagine it is like a knife entering the heart.  The closer the trust, the deeper the pain.  Jesus was ready for this one.  Did that help?  Peter's weakness was nothing compare to betrayal synonymous with murder.  And yet Jesus did not allow Judas' behaviour to dictate his own.  He remained true to Judas.  

PRAYER: May you never doubt me.  Help me to remain true and courageous to the last. 

Twenty Ninth Day of Lent - Water of Life

 

Credit:arabnews.com

I work in a café in a Palestinian town called Nablus.  Although our premises is near the religious site called  Jacobs Well, we are not really for the adventurous American and Korean tourists who are willing to contend with check points and security to see their beloved biblical sites. Ours is more for 'local women and their children'; a get-away or oasis in the sunny prison of the West Bank. It was the hottest part of the day when a young smart Jewish man slipped in and sat down at a lone table.  The café was empty; our lot tend to head off for a snooze by now.  I was on my own, clearing up from the morning.  I hesitated for a few minutes before approaching his table.  "Some mineral water please" he asked politely.  And he looked me straight in the eye.  That's disconcerting, we don't normally do that in our religion.  It's quite a taboo.  I gave him a funny look, but he went on to say,             "if only you knew the water I can give to you...." I said "looks like you have nothing with you."  And under my breath, "you'd better have money" - we are used to Jews taking liberties round here.  "The very best water comes from Jacob's well," I offer, something of topical interest.  We are all united in the greatness of our forefather Jacob.  We're not that different really.  The man again looks at me and he says,             "Jacob's well is special, but it will never satisfy you for long.  The water I have to offer is for eternal life." Wow- blow me away- you don't hear that said in this old joint every day. "Hey man", say I, "you are truly deep.  I like your drift."  He says "Why don't I talk with your husband. (I guess he knows we can't be seen talking like this.  Thank heavens no one's come in so far.  "I've got no husband" I protest, presenting a provocative smile.  "Yes" he says, "I know.  Your boyfriend has only just moved in with you.  You deserve better than those five guys who use you and let you down."  My blood ran cold.  That was very close to the bone. "You are a strange man" I say.  "A clairvoyant, or a mystic?" (We get lot of religious cranks round here.)  "So our prophet says worship on a Friday, but you lot choose Saturday- Why's that?" The man turns and says,        "The time is coming when days of the week won't matter a jot.  We will all worship the Creator face to face."  My whole being is trembling.  I feel surges of emotion, I can't tell you how alive I feel.  "We both believe that someone is coming to show us the face of the Creator." I say.        "I've come to you today to do just that." He picked up his ice-chilled bottle, dropped two shekels on the table, and I never saw him again.  I rushed out after him in a daze.  My sister saw me and came over quite concerned.  "I've just met a man who knew everything about me," I said.  My sister stroked my cheek.  "There, there Sis"  she says.  She knows my problem with men.  I notice her darting look up to the hot sun.  John 4 1-26

PRAYER: You are free from all barriers.  Thank you that you offer us this freedom too.

Fifth Sunday in the Feast of Lent -

 

The wilderness in Israel

Caritas Canada

Remember- Sunday is a day off from observing Lent.  But Caritas Canada reminded me of the Valley of the Dry Bones.  So here it is again.

37 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. Ezekiel 37

Prayer:  Keep the flame of hope alive in us.  That dry bones would rattle and rise up. 

Twenty Eighth Day of Lent - Blessed on the Plain

 

Maynard Dixon
Young University Museum of Art
Credit: moastore.byu.edu

And he lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said,

 “Blessed are the poor,

    because yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are those who are hungry now,

    because you will be satisfied.

Blessed are those who weep now,

    Because you will laugh.

22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For their fathers used to do the same things to the prophets. Luke 6

Down here on the plain, we are plain speaking.  This is a physical world.  The rich call out for peace.  The poor cry for justice.

PRAYER: May I live in the real world, and see things as you do.

Twenty Seventh Day of Lent - Blessed on the Hills

 

By Petrine Kent Credit: petrinakent.com

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled. Matthew 5

It was only recently that I realised that there are is the Sermon on the Mount.....and the Sermon on the Plain.  (My dyslexia almost brought this up to date as Sermon on the Plane.) Sermon on the Mount is more spiritual.  It fits nicely with our western world.  This sermon addresses pride and power.   Tomorrow we fly down to the plain. 

PRAYER: As I draw close to you I cannot help but become more like you. 

Twenty Sixth Day of lent - Lost Sheep

The Council by TJ Cunningham
Credit: cunninghamfineart.com

 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15

Yesterday I heard a tribute to the Rev Jesse Jackson who has recently died.  He was exulting a congregation, making them know that each one of them mattered.  He ran through a detailed list, "if you are prisoner, if you are young, if you live on an housing project, if you were born into a family that could not care for you."  He went on and on.  The list became a poem.  

Each one of us matters.  We matter to our creator.  

PRAYER: We are all known. We all matter to you.  We praise you and thank you that we are seen and loved.  

Twenty Fifth Day of Lent - Friends

 

Hiking c 1936 by James Walker Tucker
Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle Upon Tyne

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10

My saying is that you only need one good friend, and all the others are a bonus.  Jesus has 12 chosen male friends.  He asked his friends to work with him.  Freely receive, freely give.  We are also called friends, and take part in the experiencing experience of wonder and discovery.  With Jesus anything is possible. 

PRAYER:  May I aways know that with you, anything is possible. 

Twenty Fourth Day of Lent - Mary

 

 "Nagara Māryām"
Credit: British Museum Oriental Department. 

Both gender and race appear to be a problem for us humans.  Jesus is born into this world.  But his mother has been chosen.  Mary is someone who appears to have incredible insight and fortitude.  She is aware of the how crazy it is that she is the one foretold.  She is aware that the answer to the problems of Israel (and the world) comes in humility, vulnerability and poverty.  

Jesus is the one to turn the whole world upside down.  

47 “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.     For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,     and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him     from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm;     he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones     and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things,     and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel,     in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers,     to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1

PRAYER: We rejoice that you came to us in such humility. 

May we never abuse the trust you have put in us.

Twenty Third Day of lent - The Wedding

 

The outdoor wedding dance by Pieter Brueghel the younger
Credit: Sotheby's (for sale - £800,000-1200000)

Things go wrong.  Things go right.  It's hard to make sense of it.  Why in 2010, were 32 Chilian miners rescued, when the next week at Pike River, 29 miners died in New Zealand/Aotearoa?

But amazing things do happen, and the story below brought a bit of peace and joy for an instant in time to one couple and more importantly their families.

2 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”  6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.[a] 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. John 2 1-12

PRAYER:  Thank you for the joyful experiences of the everyday.

Fourth Sunday in the Feast of Lent - The Path Less Trod

 

The Wilderness in Israel

Jesus shows us that the powerful status quo of our age can be resisted, both as a community, but also by individuals. He is tempted to enjoy the great power and wealth he possesses.  How difficult it must have been when his Council John sent a message asking him if he was the promised saviour, to not then ensure his cousin's safety from the hands of Herold.  But Jesus has come as 'The Lamb of God', He was to take the same hard path into the wilderness first taken by John.  He to was to be murdered brutally. He invites us to follow this path.  Gulp, let's go.

PRAYER:  Give me everything I need, and cannot get for myself. 

Twenty Second Day of lent - Childhood

 

By Rose Datoc Dall Credit: altusfineart.com

Are children innocent?  When do they become guilty?  All people are not equal, and some have massive disadvantages over others.  We are born guilty.  It was all stacked up against us.  Yet if we have the desire in our hearts to be good, we can be.  It is the spirit of the living Creator in us that makes us good (or holy). 

We believe that Jesus was fully filled with the spirit of the Creator from birth.  He is the human embodiment of the Creator here on earth.  Was this like King Henry V, walking incognito amongst his soldiers before Agincourt, getting an  impression of their mood?  Not one bit.  It was King Hal, leading from the front, but as a child, not a superhero. 

Here is Jesus, as a child, aware of how things are, and what has to be done.

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”  49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Luke 2:41-49

PRAYER:  I come to you as a child.  I bow before you as the kings did.

Twenty First Day of Lent - Birth

Credit: Laurenjturnerfineart.com

So much of the gospel is based on things which our modern day culture says is myth.  This is made plain because it is impossible.  Repeat the story enough, and people will believe it.  Like a well trodden path, it becomes a thorofare, and no one questions it. 

Not true.  It has constantly been questioned, and perhaps no more so than in this present age.  Other faiths make funny faces, just as we do about their epic stories.  One famous doubter called Thomas said he would need to meet Jesus, and feel his physical pain.  He did,  For me, this is what I need too.  Reality.  An experience I can look back to and recall, and recount. So what of a virgin birth?  Well meet Jesus and see what you think then.

 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

PRAYER:  All I know is that my relationship with you is real. That is all that matters.

Twentieth Day of Lent - Malachi

St John the Baptist, by Lynda Miller Baker,
Credit: Saatchi Art.  (Not for sale)

 "I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 3

We are reassured.  We will be informed.  We will know, and the covenant of security and love. everything we need and desire will come to pass.  I love the verses that  reassure me that I will not miss the message, miss the boat, miss the excitement.    My fears are allayed.  

PRAYER: Thank you that your plan will come to pass, because you are out of time and have seen the conclusion and the beginning at the same time. 

Nineteenth Day of Lent - Micah

Cueva de las Manos, Argentina.
Credit: Encyclopaedia Britannica

 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

    And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

    and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6.8

I think of the time, many many thousands of years ago.  Before written texts.  When all humans lived a 'stone age' culture.  Hunter gathers.  And I believe they had the same Creator God.  The same Lord who desires justice, love. Mercy and humility.  I trust that these people walked as Micah desired, and one day I hope to meet them.

PRAYER:  May I walk a simple life with you.  May we walk together.

Eighteenth Day of Lent - Joel

 

Flamenco Coast by Tom Si
Credit: artpal.com

“And afterward,

    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

    your old men will dream dreams,

    your young men will see visions.

29 Even on my servants, both men and women,

    I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

30 I will show wonders in the heavens

    and on the earth,

    blood and fire and billows of smoke.

31 The sun will be turned to darkness

    and the moon to blood

    before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

32 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; Joel 2

It can all happen in a day.  There are days that change us for ever.  A birth, a significant event such as acquiring a disability, passing a course. getting a new job, falling in love, getting married....and death.  

We know there will be a great day ahead of us.  I am ready.

PRAYER: Creator of all, we walk boldly forward with you.

Seventeenth Day of Lent - Zephaniah

 

Hasidic in a circle of light and joy
Credit:cberlinart.com

Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,

    Daughter Jerusalem!

15 The Lord has taken away your punishment,

    he has turned back your enemy.

The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;

    never again will you fear any harm.

16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem,

“Do not fear, Zion;

    do not let your hands hang limp.

17 The Lord your God is with you,

    the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

    but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3

When you meet someone with the Spirit of the Creator in them, and you do not share a single common word, how do you know you have met a fellow believer? The answer is that you will share the same joy.

PRAYER:  You are my strength. I fear nothing,